Date of Issue : 1 Nov 2006
Postmark : Melbourne GPO VIC 3000
Denomination : 2 x 50c and 2 x AU$1.00
Stamp Size : 37.5 mm x 26 mm
Paper : Tullis Russell
Printing Process : Lithography
The 1956 Summer Olympics, formally known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, was held in Melbourne, Australia from 22 Nov to 8 Dec 1956. The Games were the catalyst for Australia's adoption of television, and screening rights caused controversy in the lead up to the Games. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Australia Post released a pair of se-tenant stamps in 2006. Two of Melbourne's landmarks are featured in the stamps – the Yarra River (50c) and Collins Street (AU$1.00). Linking the original 1956 stamps with contemporary images of these two landmarks, these stamps mark the passage of time while celebrating the heritage of the host city and the Olympic Games.